The Refugee Advice Casework Service (RACS) seeks a dedicated person to join its team of committed human rights lawyers as a Coordinator in the Family Reunion Team. The position is a full-time, fixed term contract to 30th June 2024.

The remuneration package for the position is at the SCHADS Award rate Level 3.1 to 3.3 depending on the experience of the successful candidate pro rata, per annum, plus superannuation contribution and loadings. Salary packaging is available.

RACS provides free, dedicated legal services for people seeking asylum and refugees. Through individual advice sessions, community education and public advocacy, RACS strives to ensure that individuals and families, at risk of persecution or other forms of significant harm, gain access to equal and fair representation before the law, and are granted protection by Australia, and opportunities to seek family unity, in accordance with Australia’s international obligations.

RACS Legal Coordinator Role

The primary focus of the position is to provide legal and administrative support to the Solicitors at RACS.

The Coordinator‘s principal duties are:

• Managing referrals from caseworkers, other welfare agencies and directly from clients;
• Completing client intake and taking instructions from clients as required;
• Liaising with clients and agencies to obtain all necessary documents and information to enable effective provision of legal advice and/or assistance;
• Providing scripted advice to clients;
• Preparing and reviewing briefs, letters and documentation as instructed;
• Liaising with sector partners and other stakeholders;
• Undertaking legal research and keeping up to date with case law developments as requested;
• Managing a large volume of client data and documentation in line with legal requirements including file management; and
• Keeping comprehensive records and tracking clients’ progress and time limits as arising.

The Coordinator is also expected to:

• Be a contributing and supporting member of the RACS team;
• Participate in RACS training and education programs as required;
• Attend external supervision and/or debriefing;
• Be alert to the danger of burnout, monitor own workload and be proactive in self care; and
• Perform other duties as required.

Application Procedure:

To apply, send your cover letter addressing the selection criteria in full and a CV to Kerrith Sowden via the Apply Now button. Due to the urgency of this recruitment, we encourage applicants to apply early. Interviews will be held ASAP with a view to commence at RACS as soon as practicably. Please note, that as we have an urgent need for staffing, we may make decisions prior to the close of applications should we find appropriate candidates.

Selection Criteria - Essential Criteria

• Demonstrated commitment to refugee and human rights issues
• Ability to work independently and in a legal team
• Ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of stakeholders in a confident and a respectful manner
• Demonstrated ability to work under pressure, manage time and priorities effectively and meet strict deadlines
• Ability to work with people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds
• Ability to work with vulnerable people who may have experienced torture or trauma
• Computer literacy and file management skills

RACS is committed to working together to achieve a more inclusive community. Our workplace strives to be one that embraces and celebrates diversity and the wide range of skills, expertise and experience we can all bring to strengthen our dynamic, collaborative and responsive environment. RACS encourages people from all backgrounds to apply, particularly those that identify as part of LGBTIQA+ community, as well as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds, and people with disabilities. RACS strongly welcomes applications from those with the lived expertise of displacement & seeking asylum, including those on temporary visas.

A position description is attached.